pt1188

Hi, we're planning to go over to CE after Xmas possibly for 2 weeks and are wondering if the restaurants will be open during this time. Have never been during this period - whats the atmosphere like? I know the Spanish celebrate their Xmas in January so is it quite festive on the whole?

Similarly are most Portugese restaurants close by open or do they alll shut for the winter?

Any advice / useful tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

bxpuser24710519

Normally places are open, a market runs in town. The have a list of nativity scenes you can look for and things on in various places. Never had a shortage of eating places at that time. Vila Real trip on the ferry is always a good day out, great Nativity scene in the old market 50cents to get in well worth a look. Plenty eating places open plus beautifully decorated. If you can take a trip to Sevilla and stay till dark, they have great displays and super atmosphere, I love it. They have a huge Christmas market and a light show some evenings. Must look it up for this year.

keithBT

I was over in the middle of January three years ago and quite a few places like the Panoramica at Praia Verde closed from the 7th January until approx 25th February. In fact quite a number of places seem to close for about a month or more sometime after the 7th January. I have a feeling Luis at M.Francisco closes for a couple of weeks as well. I heard that some workers go to the Canaries for their annual holidays? That said with so many places to choose from we didn't really have a problem. Very cool and damp at night though !!!!

pt1188

Thanks guys for your replies. Good to know there'll be places to eat. Not too worried about the weather, it has to be warmer than the UK. Will definitely check out Sevilla as suggested.

bxpuser24710519

Ayamonte Christmas lights are going up, the dry ice rink is being constructed. It is winter here, of course it is cold wet and damp sometimes. Out of the sun you need your layers, often warmer outdoors than in especially in my house ! Can't talk for Portugal but my sis usually visits the 1st week Jan and we have no problem eating in Spanish bars around town and out and about. That said we don't do huge plates of food nor British food type places. Small portions and loads of variety.


I just remembered there is river cruise boxing day I think, might have to be booked from Portugal and maybe in advance. Worth investigating in you fancy that.

bxpuser24710519

Just back from VRSA and they have the streets lights up, the ice rink is working and piped Christmas music. Fairground rides for the kids in the square and a few stalls selling various things. The band stand is up as well, they have live music and shows through out Dec. The tourist office in Ayamonte will have a list of events for town now or soon.